WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) stood with House and Senate Democratic Leadership to demand real change and accountability from the Department of Homeland Security. Below is a transcript of her remarks:
"I am so proud to stand here with my colleagues, united as Democrats, united with the American people, that this violence we are seeing from ICE and CBP agents has to stop.
"Republicans promised two fundamental things. They promised an economy that would work for working people. We've seen how that's turned out. And they promised they would deport and use ICE to go after the 'worst of the worst.' And what are we seeing? Renee Good and Alex Pretti killed in cold blood. Executed.
"Kristi Noem, within hours of their deaths, declared them domestic terrorists. Stephen Miller called Pretti an assassin. But the American people have seen their deaths. They've seen the videos, and they know that this is a cover up.
"We've seen an ICE agent tackle an American citizen — a 10th grader — ended up stealing his phone and pawning it for cash.
"We've seen them use little Liam Ramos — a five-year-old — one, to try and bait people to come out of their houses. And then, they send him to detention in Texas.
"We've seen them tear gas children and peaceful protesters, including a six-month-old baby.
"So it is time, and we are united with the American people, that DHS and this paramilitary force that they have created and unleashed on our American streets will be held accountable.
"Americans deserve to be safe and secure in their communities. Children deserve to be safe in their communities and their schools. And families need to know that masked police cannot break down a door just because they want to.
"There are protections of our laws, of due process, and our Constitution that we are going to stand up for — and say no to this violence. This is what this fight is about. And I am proud to stand with Democrats to make sure that we give voice to the fears of Americans for where this country is heading and where this violence is taking us."
To view the complete press conference, click HERE. To view photos, click HERE.
# # #